Whether you’re hankering for a chili dog or just a warm, hearty dinner, this Simple No Bean Chili is dense, flavorful and ready in under 30 minutes!
No Frills and No Frijoles
The minute football season starts, I’m ready to make a batch of chili. It’s so warm, filling and flexible! It goes with everything! And the consistency of this Simple No Bean Chili is just perfect for serving over hot dogs, baked potatoes or nachos or on its own with your favorite toppings. You name it! Or mix this no bean chili recipe with macaroni and cheese for some seriously good chili mac.
An it’s so easy to make! You can go from start to finish, with a hot pot of beanless chili on the stove in less than 30 minutes. What’s not to love about that? It’s so flavorful, my kids ask for it all for the time. Which is a winner in my book!
What is in Chili, Anyway?
What’s supposed to be in chili always stirs a ton of debate. Get it? Stirs? Generally, chili (or chili con carne) is made up of meat in a tomato-based stew-like sauce and will always include chili powder. But does chili have beans? Y’all know I live in Texas and the official answer here is…no.
But I was born and raised in Oklahoma where the chili rules are less strict. So I haven’t let anything stop me from being creative with chili recipes. Like my White Chicken Chili Stuffed Peppers, this Easy Chicken Chili Recipe and my Green Chicken Chili. Even Brandon’s Best Darn Chili recipe calls for kidney beans and it really is my favorite chili I’ve ever eaten.
Ingredients and Supplies
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- White onion
- Lean ground beef
- Chili powder
- Dark brown sugar
- Garlic powder, cumin and kosher salt
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
Supplies:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
How to Make No Bean Chili
- Add the olive oil to a large pot and place it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any grease.
- Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broth and tomato paste. Stir well and let simmer over low heat until ready to serve. Salt to taste before serving.
- The consistency is perfect for serving over hot dogs, baked potatoes or nachos. If you want to enjoy as a soup-like chili, add more beef broth until of desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this no bean chili on top of hot dogs, nachos, or stir in macaroni and cheese! Or if you made a thinner version, top with hot sauce, chives, shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, a dollop of sour cream.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I freeze chili? Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe storage bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw completely in the fridge before reheating on the stove over medium-low heat.
Questions and Substitutions
Can I make this chili in a crockpot or slow cooker? Great question! This chili gets a ton of flavor from the sautéed onion and the beef needs to be browned. So if your crockpot can brown and sauté, then yes! If not, I think it’s best to make it on the stove.
Can I replace the ground beef with ground turkey? I haven’t tried this recipe with turkey, but usually, lean ground beef can be subbed out for ground turkey. Just keep it mind it will change the flavor a bit!
What Goes with No-Bean Chili?
A bowl of chili with all the toppings can be pretty hearty all on its own. But when we make chili, we often serve it with one of our favorite carbs:
More Winning Recipes for Football Season
You’ll score big with my Winning Recipes for Football Season! I’ve rounded up our favorite game day recipes that are sure to win everyone over at your football watch party!
If you make this No Bean Chili be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 
I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
No Bean Chili
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10
Description
Whether you’re hankering for a chili dog or just a warm, hearty dinner, this Simple No Bean Chili is dense, flavorful and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large pot and place it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any grease.
- Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broth and tomato paste. Stir well and let simmer over low heat until ready to serve. Salt to taste before serving.
Notes
The consistency is perfect for serving over hot dogs, baked potatoes, nachos, etc. If you want to enjoy as a soup-like chili, add more beef broth until of desired consistency.
1/4 cup chili powder seems like a lot, is that the correct amount?
Hi, Eve! That’s correct! You’ll see when you make it that it’s perfect for the amount of ground beef, etc. Hope this helps!
Love the flavor but it is WAY TOO SPICY! My mouth is on fire. Not sure how to cut the heat.
Hi, Claudia! Spice is definitely a matter of preference! I’m just wondering if the chili powder you used wasn’t maybe cayenne or something instead? Chili powder is usually quite mild. Even still, you can use less of that to make it milder. Hope this helps!
The recipe doesn’t say when to add the brown sugar
Hi, Brittany! Oh goodness, you’re right! You add it with all the spices. I will go in and fix that. Thank you so much for pointing it out!